Newly diagnosed at 26
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Topic: Newly diagnosed at 26
Posted By: Yulia
Subject: Newly diagnosed at 26
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 11:00am
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Hi there! I am Yulia, 27 years old. I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July yhis year when I was 26 years old. No family history of breast cancer, sport everyday, ate healthy....
I already went through 4 Chemoes already and am waiting for my operation in the 20th of January.
I'm from Moscow, Russia and I'm sooo glad I found this website because we don't have anything similar.
I'm doing pretty well now and will get more Chemoes after the operation but I still don't understand where did this cancer come from...
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Replies:
Posted By: tasoulla
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 11:08am
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Hi Yulia! I want you to know that here all the members are helpful and very supportive.... I feel very confident here and all my queries concerning triple negative, therapies, etc are answered and everybody here makes you feel nice! How did you discovered the tumor and what is the status of your report? Are there any lymph nodes affected? Wish you all the best, Tasoulla |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 11:29am
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Hi Tasoulla!
Thank you for answering.
Medically speaking, the cancer I am fighting with is T2N0M0. So, it is stage 2, lymph nodes do not seem to be affected but they will examine them after the operation anyway.
I discovered it accidentally one morning in July 2009 and it turned out to be triple negative bc.
I just wonder if there are many of those who were diagnosed at the same age and without any family history of breast cancer... And I really wonder where it came from...
Thank you for your support!!!
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Posted By: tasoulla
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 11:44am
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My mum is triple negative, diagnosed in September at her yearly mammograph, at age 53 with no family history.It was a big shock for us and we didn't accept it yet! From what i read, researching and talking with people, it affects and women at your age. I can understand what you are feeling but you have to fight and big strong and believe you will be a winner! What chemo are you having and what is the size of your tumor? Tasoulla |
Posted By: unklez
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 11:46am
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Dear Yulia, Welcome to the TNBC Foundation. There are several women here who were diagnosed young and without any family history. Please feel free to ask us any and all questions. Curious to know what chemo are you getting. ------------- Wife Dx: Jul/09. Age: 37. Size: 3cm. BRCA: -ve. Lumpectomy: Aug/09. Micromet 1/9 node. Chemo Start: Sep/09. E5103. DD ACB-> DD Abraxane (Taxol reaction). Zometa (S0307). Canadian Fraction Rads. |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 11:56am
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Thank you for welcoming!
I'm on CAF Chemo scheme, went through 4 rounds prior to the operation. I am not sure if we will continue with the same scheme after the operation, I will find it out later this month.
I read some articles about the CAF scheme and it seems to be very effective.
 I hope it is. |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 12:00pm
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Tasoulla, you have to be strong too! To me it seems that my famile took these news worse than I did. And it really seems to me that cancer does not know the age! Anyone can get it.
I forgot to say that the size of the tumor was 2,5x3cm prior to the Chemo. I will get my mammogramm in 1.5 weeks ad will know how much did the Chemo reduce it.
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Posted By: unklez
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 12:11pm
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Thanks Yulia. To easily let everyone know your tumor size, chemo etc add these details to your signature. ------------- Wife Dx: Jul/09. Age: 37. Size: 3cm. BRCA: -ve. Lumpectomy: Aug/09. Micromet 1/9 node. Chemo Start: Sep/09. E5103. DD ACB-> DD Abraxane (Taxol reaction). Zometa (S0307). Canadian Fraction Rads. |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 12:13pm
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Welcome Yulia, I'm glad you found this site. Yes, there seems to be many of us here that don't have any family history or any of the high risks for bc. Yet we ended up with tnbc anyway. Please let us know how your mammogram goes and wishing you good results. Donna ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 1:49pm
| Thank you all so much for your support! |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 3:47pm
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Hi Yulia and a warm welcome to you.
http://www.facingourrisk.org/newsletter/2007summer/brca_testing.html - http://www.facingourrisk.org/newsletter/2007summer/brca_testing.html
Do you have any family history on your father's side?
There is what they call sporadic breast cancer. It just appears and they don't know why.
TNBC tends to come to the younger woman although we have women on here in every age group who have been diagnosed. I believe at one time we had a 25 yr old. It's a shame someone as young as you has to go thru this, do you have good family support?
You have our support, come here often and let us know how you are doing.
 ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: girlpower731
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 4:42pm
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Hi Yulia,
Welcome to the site. I'm interested to haer whether any cancer showed up on a mammo at your young age. When I went for the mammogram and ultrasound, nothing showed up on the mammo, partly due to my age and partly due to the fact that I have dense breast tissue. I didn't use the digital imaging machine either.
This site offers imazing support and it really helps during treatment. We share a special type of bond since we are all going through similar experiences.
I may have missed it in the reading, but did you say what type of surgery that you will be having? I had a lumpectomy back in August and I will either being having more surgery to clear the margins or a masectomy, I will know more in the coming weeks.
I recommend you going to the tips and resources section of the site. I found invaluable information there and I keep going back to read new things. There is a good section on chemo tips (I know you said you've been through chemoo to reduce the size of the tumor, but you may find something useful if you need to continue chemo after the surgery.
The best advice I can give is have a great attitude. Don't let the cancer get
the best of you. Whatever is thrown at you, you can handle it, with the help of your loved ones, your doctors and all the men and women on this site.
Keep us informed of your progress as we are all rooting for you for a speedy, healthy recovery.
Girlpower ------------- dx: age 31. Stage 2a, BRCA1/2 -, Lumpectomy 8/09, AC/Taxol dense dose 9/09-1/10 |
Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 5:47pm
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Dear Yulia, well I am half Russian. My grandmother came from Odessa (when it was part of Russia, I believe) in 1902... The following study, I believe, is important- javascript:AL_get%28this,%20jour,%20BMC%20Cancer.%29; - BMC Cancer. 2009 Mar 19;9:86. The prevalence of BRCA1 mutations among young women with triple-negative breast cancer.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Young%20SR%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Young SR , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Pilarski%20RT%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Pilarski RT , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Donenberg%20T%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Donenberg T , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Shapiro%20C%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Shapiro C , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Hammond%20LS%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Hammond LS , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Miller%20J%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Miller J , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Brooks%20KA%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Brooks KA , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Cohen%20S%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Cohen S , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Tenenholz%20B%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Tenenholz B , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Desai%20D%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Desai D , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Zandvakili%20I%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Zandvakili I , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Royer%20R%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Royer R , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Li%20S%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Li S , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Narod%20SA%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract - Narod SA . Women's College Research Institute, Department of Public Health, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. sryoung37@aol.com BACKGROUND:
Molecular screening for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations is now an established
component of risk evaluation and management of familial breast cancer.
Features of hereditary breast cancer include an early age-of-onset and
over-representation of the 'triple-negative' phenotype (negative for
estrogen-receptor, progesterone-receptor and HER2). The decision to
offer genetic testing to a breast cancer patient is usually based on
her family history, but in the absence of a family history of cancer,
some women may qualify for testing based on the age-of-onset and/or the
pathologic features of the breast cancer. METHODS: We studied 54 women
who were diagnosed with high-grade, triple-negative invasive breast
cancer at or before age 40. These women were selected for study because
they had little or no family history of breast or ovarian cancer and
they did not qualify for genetic testing using conventional family
history criteria. BRCA1 screening was performed using a combination of
fluorescent multiplexed-PCR analysis, BRCA1 exon-13 6 kb duplication
screening, the protein truncation test (PTT) and fluorescent
multiplexed denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). All coding
exons of BRCA1 were screened. The two large exons of BRCA2 were also
screened using PTT. All mutations were confirmed with direct
sequencing. RESULTS: Five deleterious BRCA1 mutations and one
deleterious BRCA2 mutation were identified in the 54 patients with
early-onset, triple-negative breast cancer (11%). CONCLUSION: Women
with early-onset triple-negative breast cancer are candidates for
genetic testing for BRCA1, even in the absence of a family history of
breast or ovarian cancer. ------------- I am a BRCA1+ grandson, son and father of women affected by breast/oc-my daughter inherited mutation from me, and at 36, was dx 2004 TNBC I am a volunteer patient advocate with SAGE Patient Advocates |
Posted By: Bonnie
Date Posted: Jan 03 2010 at 7:47pm
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Yulia: Sorry to hear your diagnosis, but please stay strong. My daughter, Ashley, was diagnosed with TNBC at 22. She will be having her 6th chemo this coming Thursday. Two more after that, then radiation. She had a mastectomy of the left breast prior to chemo, and will have another mastectomy and reconstruction after chemo and radiation is over. She's a member on this site and would be glad to talk about it if you want to talk with her - her member name is adaniel. Let us know how everything goes.
Bonnie ------------- Bonnie - Daughter Ashley dx TN 8/09 @ 22; St3, BRCA1/2-; AC&Ixempra done 2/10; mets to lung 3/10; G/C 3/10; PARP 6/10; sternum mets 9/10; NK012 failed; mets to liver, spine, kidney; Avastin/Xeloda |
Posted By: scared
Date Posted: Jan 04 2010 at 12:10am
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Hello Yulia, I am sorry about your cancer diagnosis, it is almost unheard of for somebody your age to have it. On my wife's side she had some family history of cancer, and she had a genetic test done that came back negative so she somehow just got it too. So, will your treatments be in Russia? It has taken us over a year in dealing with cancer and we are still going through the muck. It seems to wear your spirit down at times, so when I feel like that I come here for support. I hope you have good support from your family and friends, or even your pets. I know without our friends and family we could not have made it, and Jeff our cat would purrr next to my wife's breast that had cancer and it would be like he was trying to heal her, it did help to calm my wife down. Wishing you the best with only positive outcomes! Dave ------------- Wife diagnosed 7/08 stage 2B 4.78cm with 3 nodes. 15 weeks of Adriamycin and Cytoxin, Mastectomy, 12 weeks of Taxol, and 6.5 weeks of radiation. |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Jan 04 2010 at 8:17am
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Thank you all so much for your support!!!
Dear Pam,
thank you for the link, will read it now. My grandgrandfather had lug cancer. He did not receive any Chemo at all, he was just operated and lived 20 years after the operation. He died from heart attack and not from the cancer. This is the only cancer case I know...
I've got a really good family and friends support. I did not even imagie there are so many wonderful people surrounding me!!!!
Girlpower731,
thank you for your support! Yes, I agree, this website is something awesome!!!
My mammo did show the cancer although they had to verify the diagnosis with ultrasound, biopsy and core-biopsy later. I know that the structure of breast at 27 differs from that you will have at 40 or 50 but the mammo still showed the tumor.
As per the operation I still do not kow. As I already wrote my oncologist decided to start the Chemo before the operation to reduce the size of the tumor. I will know details of the opeartion later this month. Honestly speaking, if I was the one to decide I would have mastectomy of the both breasts and get implants later.
 Dear Steve,
thank you for the article. We do have a lot of medical centers where you can be tested for BRCA. I was thinking about it lately and will speak with my oncologist. Anyway, I think I will be tested for it.
Thank you for praying for me!
Dear Bonni,
I hope Ashley will get a speedy recovery!!! What king of Chemo if she getting?
I will get 8 Chemoes as well. 4 before the operation, 4 afterwards + radiation.
Dear Dave,
yes, I am going through the treatment in Moscow. Cancer patients who are citizens of Russia are getting the Chemo for free here although we spend a lot to help maintain the liver, heart etc.
You are totally right about the pets! We have got two newfoundlands!!!
I hope your wife is doing fine now andthe cancer will never get back to her! ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: Bonnie
Date Posted: Jan 04 2010 at 8:24am
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Yulia: Ashley is participating in a clinical trial called TITAN which is 4 AC treatments followed by 4 Ixempra treatments. She's doing really well.
Bonnie ------------- Bonnie - Daughter Ashley dx TN 8/09 @ 22; St3, BRCA1/2-; AC&Ixempra done 2/10; mets to lung 3/10; G/C 3/10; PARP 6/10; sternum mets 9/10; NK012 failed; mets to liver, spine, kidney; Avastin/Xeloda |
Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Jan 04 2010 at 9:10am
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Dear Yulia, If you go to PubMed and enter Narod SA in the inquiry box you will find 370 papers by Dr. Narod's growth..many of them on BRCA and some on TNBC. He is one of the world's leading experts on BRCA. I would suggest printing the study out that is available free of charge(just click on the yellow box on the right hand side) and bring it to your oncologist. Your family hx certainly does not indicate a typical BRCA family but your very early age, in my mind, warrants a test. Better safe than sorry, in my view. the link for PubMed (our country's primary medical library, over 19 million citations) is http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ good luck to you, Steve ------------- I am a BRCA1+ grandson, son and father of women affected by breast/oc-my daughter inherited mutation from me, and at 36, was dx 2004 TNBC I am a volunteer patient advocate with SAGE Patient Advocates |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 18 2010 at 3:24am
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Hello everyone!
I had radical resection on the 19th of January and is scheduled to 3 courses of paclitaxel at the moment. I had the new Chemo 1,5 weeks ago and it wasn't bad at all. Previous Chemo (CAF) didn't work quite well, so now I'm hoping this new Chemo will kill all the cancer cells. Anyway I'm trying to visit other oncologists these days to get alternative opinion on the Chemo scheme. I read they usually recommend 4 courses of taxanes when it's stage 2a.
My nodes were not involved although they say that the lymph goes to parasternal lymph nodes when the tumor is in inner quadrant of the breast. Anyone heard of that?
I would like to get a CT of mediastinal but my doctor say I do not need one. Probably I'm just nervous and scared?
 I just want to do the maximum now in order to live longer after the treatment!!!I also tested for BRCA mutation couple of days ago and am waiting for the results on the 11th of March. ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: Carol (Tenn)
Date Posted: Feb 18 2010 at 8:35am
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Dear Yulia,
Welcome to our home. I am so sorry that you are going through this at such a young age.
I am an exception to the rule, at 68. I was 66 at diagnosis. I had no history of cancer of any kind and yet, here I am. Cancer is no respecter of persons. It can and does strike anyone, anywhere.
One thing is for sure, you have come to right place for encouragement, information and support.
Please join us on the Spiritual Support thread if that is your desire.
Love and Prayers,
Carol
------------- St 2 Gr 3, A/C/T, DD Radiation x35 Rec chest wall 07/09 Radiation x28 NED 10/24/11 NED 10/5/12 NED 03/15/13 |
Posted By: cg---
Date Posted: Feb 18 2010 at 8:55am
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Dearest Yulia,
The good thing is that you now know that the first chemotherapy was not as effective - which is a good thing...because there are many, many others. A second and a third opinion is a wonderful option. The more information you have the better able you are to make your decisions. It seems that Japan puts women on another chemotherapy after the initial course. Xeloda was used by a few of our members from Japan. Please ask your oncologists what they think of a maintenance chemotherapy.
I had AC for 4 courses and 4 courses of Taxol (stage IIb) in 2007.
If you have any questions, thoughts to share, opinions - please let us know.
I am the ONLY breast cancer in my family going back generations on both sides....You will find many women have the same story.
Love,
Connie
P.S. Do your oncologists recommend any supplements?
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Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 18 2010 at 9:31am
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Dear Carol,
thank you for your support!!! No matter the age, every woman's journey through this is unique!
It really seems that the TNBC appears just from nowhere.
Which grade do you have?Hi Connie!
Taxol is similar to what I am scheduled.
I have just received alternative opinion which states that 4 round of new Chemo will be better option for me. Just like I thought.
 My goal now is to convince my regular oncologist to prescribe me this 4th round.... I can't say that the first Chemo wasn't effective at all but it showed only 1st stage of patomorphosis. But it is good I had Chemo before the operation, I agree!!!!
What do you mean by supplement?
I'm taking some medicines for liver as I have gepatitis C in addition.
 Trying not to loose my sense of humour.Did you make BRCA testing? ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: Carol (Tenn)
Date Posted: Feb 18 2010 at 9:44am
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Yulia...my cancer is Grade 3 Stage 2A... ------------- St 2 Gr 3, A/C/T, DD Radiation x35 Rec chest wall 07/09 Radiation x28 NED 10/24/11 NED 10/5/12 NED 03/15/13 |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 18 2010 at 10:00am
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Oh, Carol, so you have exactly the same dx! It is ironic but it is good to know someone with the same agressive grade, same stage and same family history (with no breast cancer). ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: Terje
Date Posted: Feb 18 2010 at 2:51pm
Supplements are vitamins and minerals which are not medicines but help your body be healthier and stronger to help fight the cancer. Many of the women here take vitamin D3 supplements because a lot of them seem to have low vitamin D levels. |
Yulia wrote:Posted By: Kellyless
Date Posted: Feb 18 2010 at 4:12pm
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Yulia, it seems the majority of us here with TNBC have grade 3 aggressive cancers. Wasn't that the scariest thing in the world to hear for the first time? It was for me. Being around this big ole, smart, savy group of women that had the same thing I had is very calming and reassuring for me. I hope it is for you as well. ------------- IDC, 2.2 cm, Stage IIb,lumpectomy 1/30/09 ACx4,Tx4 36 rads 6/1/16 Local recurrence same breast, same spot 1.8cm Carb.4x every 3 wks, Taxol 12x once wk. Dbl Mast. PCR!! Reconstruction fail, NED! |
Posted By: Carol (Tenn)
Date Posted: Feb 18 2010 at 11:58pm
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Yulia,
I am almost 3 times older than you...mind boggling for me....I keep thinking I'm young.... ------------- St 2 Gr 3, A/C/T, DD Radiation x35 Rec chest wall 07/09 Radiation x28 NED 10/24/11 NED 10/5/12 NED 03/15/13 |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 1:47am
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yes, I'm taking Calcium together with D3 but I don't know if I'm in lack of it...
------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 1:51am
 That's good!!! My grandmom is 77 years old and practices some yoga! She's got more energy than I do!!! Only you can judge how old you really are.  ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 2:12am
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Hello Yulia, I was 66 a few years ago so I am slightly older than you as well...  I have been at MD Anderson hospital all this week for various tests. I am BRCA1+. I hope your results come back negative. This is the story Komen published on their website. I am in their Advocates in Science Program. http://ww5.komen.org/breastcancer/SteveK.html - http://ww5.komen.org/breastcancer/SteveK.html I wanted you to read my story because sometimes the cancer can be hidden on the father's side. I do not have cancer, yet I passed the BRCA mutation on to my daughter. She was diagnosed with TNBC, at age 36. I am not a medical professional but I am very committed to my volunteer advocacy work which has focused mainly on trying to help women with breast cancer and also several friends with melanoma and colorectal cancer. Please do not be offended by my question but is there any chance you could go to London or the U.S. for your medical care; at least for a second opinion? I understand if there is no chance but if there is please send me a PM. I will give you some suggestions. My grandmother was born in Odessa in 1899..who knows maybe somehow we are related? good luck to you..whatever you decide.. all the best, Steve ------------- I am a BRCA1+ grandson, son and father of women affected by breast/oc-my daughter inherited mutation from me, and at 36, was dx 2004 TNBC I am a volunteer patient advocate with SAGE Patient Advocates |
Posted By: Julianna
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 7:48am
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Yulia, Medicine probably has not yet figured out all the genes that may be "markers" for cancer risk. Much work is being done in this area. BRCA is the one we understand best, but there seem to be others that are as yet unidentified. We are moving in the direction of tailoring treatment based on the specific characteristics of the tumor and gene expression, but this is evolving as we go along. Julie ------------- Senior Research RN with special interest in triple negative breast cancer |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 7:58am
Thank you, Steve but I don't consider it nessesary going to UK, USA or any other country at the moment. There are plenty of professional oncologists here in Moscow, so I can get an alternative opinion anyway.
Let's wait when my BRCA resulty return. ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: cg---
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 9:04am
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Dear Yulia,
I sense you are an intelligent and resourceful young woman with very much insight into your very new and unexpected condition.
I was diagnosed as stage IIB (with 3 positive nodes) at the age of 53...after doing the standard and conventional (at the time evidence-based research - I did dose dense (every two weeks AC/ followed by Taxol every two weeks) for a total of 8 cycles.
Then, my work began. Surprisingly when the results of a long-term food study was released...there is less chance of recurrence in triple negative breast cancers if women eat a low-fat diet of 30 g a day. Interestingly, they discovered that women with low vitamin D3 levels had more recurrences. If you will look in the archives you will see that from the University of Toronto - Dr. Pamela Goodwin found that 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed a day reduced the circulating breast cancer cells....also if you check the archives on the forum you will find some very interesting research being done in the scientific community (M.D. Anderson, University of Michigan and other researchers regarding curcumin (turmeric) and triple negative.
Of course, your oncologist may be well aware of these studies (some are very enlightened and supportive)....and alas, others are not.
Green tea is another interesting compound.
Brassica products (broccosprouts) - developed by breast cancer researcher at Johns Hopkins Dr. Jean Talay (compound found in broccoli - that is another food fighter against breast cancer cells).
I suggest these because I believe you have quite advanced research skills already and may find these very interesting.
Hungary has a product developed by the University of Hungary called Avemar.
And lest I forget the all important 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week.
There seems to be some interest in maintenance chemotherapy after chemotherapy in some medical communities. There are two women from Japan who had Xeloda as maintenance for one year after they had finished their initial chemotherapy.
We have a long term survivor on this forum diagnosed 23 years ago with 22 positive nodes who had a weekly regimen of chemotherapy for one year.
Thank you for joining our community and sharing your experience and exchanging ideas and practices.
Love,
Connie
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Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 11:04am
Yulia, I like your picture! The only way to tell your D3 level is through a blood test. Maybe next time you visit with your onc, you can ask for the test. Most of us with bc have very low levels. Mine was 19 after chemo. After taking 5,000 iu of D3 for several months, the levels are up to 47. ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 11:19am
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Dear Connie!!!
Thank you soooo much for this information! I heard about exercises which is what I'm already doing but wasn't aware of other researches!!! Will read them for sure.
 I will get 4 Taxanes as well but every three weeks. When did you finish your Chemo?
30 g is interesting. I wonder how much is that? One piece of fish a day and a lot of vegetables and fruits?
Donna, thank you!! I like my no hair too.
I will do the test. Do you think it's better to do it during the Chemo or afterwards? ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 11:28am
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Yulia, You might ask your onc if you can have the D3 test while going through chemo. My onc never discussed it and I had to ask her about it so it was a couple of months after finishing chem that she checked my blood. I remember other women who've posted saying they were checked at diagnosis. ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: Terje
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 1:22pm
Sugar is bad. 1. Aggressive tumor cells feed on sugar. 2. Sugar raises insulin levels which is a hormone that stimulates cell growth which causes your tumors to grow faster. Exercise is good. 1. Exercise burns up all your sugar. 2. Burning up all your sugar reduces your body's need to produce insulin and therefor reduces your insulin levels. 3. Exercise increases muscle mass which increases your body's ability to burn sugar. I've heard a lot of people talking about fat being unhealthy and bad for you and that a high fat diet leads to increased cancer rates, but I haven't seen any conclusive studies that have proven this to be true. I have seen several studies that have measured blood sugar and/or insulin levels and it seems that reducing sugar in your diet doesn't prevent or delay the occurrence of cancer, but it does slow the growth and aggressiveness of the tumors that are already there. I have not seen any studies showing that the same is true for fat. If anyone finds any, please explain your thoughts and post links. I have even seen that there is a clinical trial in Germany that is trying to fight cancer with a low carb high fat diet, and I've read to papers where they tested this on mice. The results of the mice experiments weren't as promising as I had hoped, but this is due to the fact that our bodies can and have to make it's own sugar if we don't eat any. Anyway, you can find more information in this thread. http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/diet-exercise_topic5685_post48588.html - http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/diet-exercise_topic5685_post48588.html |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 1:28pm
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Terje, Have you seen any studies about BMI? ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 4:15pm
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Hi Yulia,
So sorry you are having to fight this cancer at such a young age. I am older than Carol and Steve. I just turned 69, but have trouble thinking that 69 is old. I was diagnosed at age 65. My grade, stage, size and treatment are similar to what you are having. I just recently had my vitamin D level checked, three years after treatment ended. It was 17.5. My doctor has me on 5,000 IU per week. He wants it up to 60 and says it could take a year. As far as what caused my cancer, I probably will never know. I am BRCA- and have no family history on either side, that I am aware of. By the way, how did you, Donna and Pam get your pictures on the site. It really is nice to see your lovely faces. Love in Christ, Lillie ------------- Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
Posted By: Terje
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 4:43pm
You're talking about Body Mass Index, right? I haven't happened upon any studies talking about BMI and it's relationship to cancer, but I haven't specifically searched for any either. I have specifically searched for sugar, carbohydrate, and fat. I do know that there are two types of diabetes. One is caused by your body not being able to make any insulin and the other is caused by your body not being able to produce enough. For the type where your body can't produce enough, most of the time those inflicted are overweight. For those who are overweight, they can, "cure" their diabetes by losing weight. This gives me the idea that an increase in body fat increases one's requirement for insulin, and therefor it makes sense that an increase in body fat would increase the aggressiveness of a tumor. However, this would be called a, "hypothesis" and to know if it's true or not one would have to do or find a study that shows that it's true. I'd be willing to guess that there are a few already out there that do exactly this. That being said, what percentage of fat, sugar, or carbohydrates in your diet does not always mean that someone will be overweight. There are many people with very unhealthy diets who are not overweight and because they are slim and look healthy they are under the false impression that they are healthy and therefor they make no effort to eat healthy. Nonetheless, they do have less body fat and therefor a lower requirement for insulin and as a result may have lower insulin levels and maybe their cancers would turn out to be less aggressive (again another hypothesis/guess). So it makes sense to me that there would be a correlation between BMI and cancer, but that doesn't in any way suggest that a high fat diet increases your risk of being diagnosed with cancer. What else makes sense to me is that since high fat diets have been considered for a long time to be unhealthy, if you were to do a study to see if there's a correlation between fat intake and fitness, you'll probably find a higher percentage of people who eat less fat are fit. Does that mean that a low fat diet causes you to be more fit? Or does it mean that people who care more about being fit are more likely to have a low fat diet? I saw all the articles about the nurses who took Aspirin having lower incidence of breast cancer. Does that mean that Aspirin lowers one's risk of breast cancer or does it mean that people who care about their health are at lower risk and that they're also more likely to take Aspirin daily? You can't tell from the information I saw. Maybe people who care more about their health are more likely to exercise, keep their BMI low, and take Aspirin. Who knows which one of those three things reduces their risk or even if it's one of those things at all? The only way to know these things is through studies. |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Feb 19 2010 at 4:58pm
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Terje, Yes I meant Body Mass Index. I can't remember where I saw or heard it, but it was something about women with a BMI greater than 25 either having a greater chance of recurrence or poorer prognosis. I wish I could remember if I read it somewhere or heard it from a news article. It may have some correlation with higher BMI and insulin like you pointed out. Lillie, I found how to put the picture in the avatar. Go to the Member Control Panel and edit profile. Scroll down to where you type stuff in for your signature and where you can select an Avatar for your screen name. You can select from an avatar on this site or upload your own. The picture can only be 15kb in size or 64 X 64 pixels. I took a picture then cropped it down using one of the photo software programs from my digitel camera. Then I resized it to 64 x 64 pixels and saved it. I just browsed my pc until I found the picture, then uploaded it and saved it as my new avatar. It wasn't too difficult, but if your picture is larger than 15 kb in size, it won't upload. ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 20 2010 at 4:00am
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I also read about BMI and it's relation to breast cancer but my index is ok and still here I am with tnbc. Probably insulin and BMI are not related? Probably it's insulin only? I love sweets and fruits, my glucose index is 5,0. Although it is within normal limits, I consider it pretty high for my age.
Has anyone heard of homeopathic medicine and immune modifiers? I'm trying to find research on these topics but am not successful so far. ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: Autumn10182001
Date Posted: Feb 20 2010 at 10:36am
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Yulia, MY BMI is out of whack... I was 242 lbs and am 5' 6". I am done to 199 - 202, depending on the day, i have hot that plateau and haven't move any in a while. I have started exercising 50 - 60 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week. I have totally changed my diet, because of my TNBC dx. The first book I read on it was "AntiCancer - A New Way of Life". I believe a lot of what he writes about and contiue to try to updated my supplements and diet based off of that book and what I read on the internet. I will include what I am currently taking, in addition to my multivitamin which is very good, low Iron, higher in Selenium (200) . I also spend a lot of time researching things I read hear, and any new things I hear about. I am not following a Dr prescribe supplement program... this is my own thing..and based on my opinion of what i have read. Those in orange I haven't started yet.. Flax has me in the bathroom a lot, tried to start that a few times.. and I am eating Tuna Steaks a couple times a week along with things lime pasta with extra omega 3 and egss with extra omega 3, so I haven't started the fish oil yet..
------------- DX2/99 Stg I,ER+PR+ Chemo lumpectomy - Neg nodes,rads, tamox,femara. DX4/09, Stg IIB /III, TNBC IDC, Grade III, 2.5CM, mastectomy. 4AC DD,12 wkly taxol,BRAC1&2Neg, Right Mast 11/25/09 |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 26 2010 at 11:00am
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Thank you for your cosiderations, will discuss some with my oncologists.
I got perfect news today. I am BRCA1 and BRCA2 NEGATIVE!
I am sooooo happy!
Now it is a real mistery why I got tnbc like many on this site. ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Feb 26 2010 at 7:20pm
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Hi Yulia and welcome.
Congratulations on your negative brca 1/2 results! ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: mom&grandma
Date Posted: Feb 26 2010 at 11:28pm
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Congrats! ------------- Bonnie, mom of Heather, age 32, Dx on 9/1/09 TN IDC Stage 1, 1.4 c, lumpectomy, 10/8/09, DD AC & T, 3/9/10 bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction, BRCA 1/2- |
Posted By: scared
Date Posted: Feb 26 2010 at 11:34pm
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Hello Yulia, You don't live by any radioactive land do you? I know this probably sounds stupid, but it could be a reason why. You are so young have breast cancer and I am sorry you have to go through it. I guess the reason why is not as important as beating the cancer. How are the treatments going, and what can we do to help? Dave
------------- Wife diagnosed 7/08 stage 2B 4.78cm with 3 nodes. 15 weeks of Adriamycin and Cytoxin, Mastectomy, 12 weeks of Taxol, and 6.5 weeks of radiation. |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 27 2010 at 6:06am
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Thank you all for congradulations! Yes, Dave, I've been thinking about radioactive land. I was near Chernobyl when the disaster happened. Besides that, I've been living in Australia for several months, after which I actually found the tumor. You probably know how dangerous sun is there due to ozone hole. Australians suffer the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Probably, bc lived somewhere inside of me and was provoked by change of climate.  That is the only explanation I can find so far. ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: Yulia
Date Posted: Feb 27 2010 at 6:08am
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Almost forgot to say that my treatments are going just great, thank you!!! The WBC count is low but it should be alright by the time of next Chemo, which is on Tuesday. ------------- Diagnosed with TNBC at age 26. Stage 2a,Grade 3, size 2.5x3 cm. 10 - 12/2009 4 CAF Chemo rounds. Radical resection 19/01. Started paclitaxel. |
Posted By: Carol (Tenn)
Date Posted: Feb 27 2010 at 8:43am
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Dear Yulia,
I am so happy to hear about negative testing. That should make you feel much better.
I have asked myself the "why" question many many times. I was 66 at dx and this is somewhat unusual as tnbc usually strikes women younger. There's just no definitive answer. I am overweight and that could contribute but look at the women here that are thin.
So I've decided to quit asking a question that no one seems to know the answer to. I just trust that God knows what He's doing, because I sure don't.
Love and Prayers,
Carol  ------------- St 2 Gr 3, A/C/T, DD Radiation x35 Rec chest wall 07/09 Radiation x28 NED 10/24/11 NED 10/5/12 NED 03/15/13 |
Posted By: diane1234
Date Posted: Feb 27 2010 at 10:34am
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Yea....I too continue to say WHY?????? I was also BRCA 1 and 2 negative...... I am still trying to figure this out. I had all three of my kids young, nursed, and absolutely no family history of any kind of cancer LET ALONE BREAST....oh yea diagnosed at 36 ------------- dx 4/09 at 36 yrs old. dbl Mast. 5/09. 12 weekly Taxol 4 FAC tri weekly. 32 rads completed 2/2010. Its Back 5/2010!! Chest wall, Mediastinal node, Lft mammary node and liver. Back on chemo. |
Posted By: Karen W.
Date Posted: Feb 27 2010 at 4:11pm
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Has anyone heard of homeopathic medicine and immune modifiers? I'm trying to find research on these topics but am not successful so far. [/QUOTE]
Yulia,
I am on a program to rebuild my immune system. It involves nutrition along with supplements that influence the body at the cellular level. I use liquid herbs along with omegas, minerals, vitamins, phyotonutients, enzymes, ambrotose and other cellular rejuvenators.
Chemo is so harmful to the body overall and your body needs to be rebuilt to protect itself. Otherwise your overall health will be at risk and susceptible to cancer again. By rebuilding the body and maintaining it, your body will then be able to fight cancer at the microscopic level and prevent future metastasis. There is a lot of research to support this. There is a great book called, "RACE FOR PREVENTION - Don't wait for a cure... 8 Steps to Cancer Prevention", by Bonnie Schnautz.
http://www.brenewed.com - www.brenewed.com It is available for sale on her web-site if you are interested.
Take care and thanks for sharing your story.
Karen ------------- DX July 07; lumpectomy,Chemo 4 sesions,36Rad; DX Oct 09;36 Rad;Metastatic Clavical lymph nodes in neck; chemo pending****CHEMO NO LONGER PENDING. DR SLEDGE SAYS NO CHEMO SHOULD BE USED (4 my case) |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Feb 27 2010 at 4:17pm
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Yulia, There is another great book, Anticancer: A New Way of Life, by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber. http://www.anticancerways.com/ - http://www.anticancerways.com/ ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |